28 January 2013 representatives of Czech, Slovak, Hungarian, Polish and Romanian National Regulators, Transmission System Operators and Market Operators met in Budapest to agree on the start of the structured cooperation with a goal to investigate and prepare for the integration of the day-ahead electricity markets of the five countries. Since its launch in September 2012, the CZ-SK-HU MC has proved its benefit to electricity market participants. Extension towards the applicant neighbouring countries, Poland and Romania, is a logical step forward in building the European Internal Energy Market (IEM).
   The representatives of the National Regulators (ERU, HEO, ANRE), Transmission System Operators (ČEPS, SEPS, MAVIR, PSE, Transelectrica) and Market Operators (OTE, OKTE, HUPX, TGE, OPCOM) met on 28 January in Budapest to discuss further integration and extension of their day ahead markets. Conclusions of the meeting confirmed willingness and readiness for intensive cooperation and a mutual approach to confirm technical feasibility. It was agreed to launch a common project that would assess possible ways forward and select the most suitable and efficient form of market integration. All parties declared their good will and intention to sign a Memorandum of Understanding defining the scope and the main features of this cooperation.